Naples – An era has ended in Scampia. The last eleven families have left the Vele, the iconic residential structures that for decades have been a symbol of degradation and crime. A fundamental step towards the redevelopment of the neighborhood, which marks the beginning of a new era.
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The Vele, inspired by the innovative architecture of Le Corbusier, have transformed over time into a place of marginalization and illegality. Today, thanks to a joint operation of the institutions, they make room for a new urban project that aims to restore dignity and hope to the inhabitants of Scampia.
Manfredi: “It is no longer the Scampia of Gomorrah, but a new Scampia”
“It is no longer the Scampia of Gomorrah, but a new Scampia”, declared with enthusiasm the mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi. The eviction of the last families has in fact opened the way to the demolition of the yellow and red sails, while the light blue sail, the scene of the tragic event of last July, will be redeveloped.
The tragedy, though painful, has accelerated the timing of this operation. “Getting to the eviction in just six months was unthinkable,” Manfredi admitted. “The sacrifice of the victims has strengthened our determination.”
In place of the Vele there will be twelve new buildings, more welcoming and functional, able to accommodate about 35 families each. The redevelopment project, called “Restart Scampia”, also includes the creation of large green areas and common spaces.
“We have succeeded in replacing crime with the State”, Manfredi underlined. “This operation was done together with the residents, in a peaceful and shared way.”
The first new buildings are expected to be ready by mid-2026, with the entire project to be completed by 2027. In the meantime, the evicted families will receive financial support until they can move into their new homes.
Scampia is ready to turn the page. The Sails, symbol of a difficult past, give way to a future of hope and rebirth.
An “extraordinary” moment, “I believe it is historic,” says the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, which is being experienced today in Scampia, a neighborhood in Northern Naples, where the three Vele have been completely evacuated.
The prefect of Naples: “A historic moment”
“We are at a turning point and the turning point was determined by the fact that today, after about six months from the immense tragedy, for which once again I express my closeness to the families of the victims, today there is no longer any family living in the Vele and therefore the three Vele are empty”.
All this happens after years of "discussion and examination, because the past must never be forgotten, we must also acknowledge all the actions taken in the past", says the prefect, although "the tragedy of last summer" caused by a collapse in the Vela Celeste, which caused three deaths and 12 injuries, “it gave a decisive turn, which was already in mind. Because the Municipality had already prepared all the documents”.
Article published on 2 January 2025 - 19:23
